Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12

For those of us who call New York home, the majestic Adirondacks offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Among its many gems, Lake George, often referred to as the "Queen of American Lakes," stands out with its sparkling waters and over 300 islands. For a truly unique and immersive outdoor experience, nothing quite compares to island camping on Lake George. And within this array of island sites, you'll find individual havens like Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12, offering a secluded and memorable way to connect with the Adirondack wilderness.

This article is crafted specifically for New Yorkers, guiding you through the distinct experience of camping at Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12. We'll explore its fascinating location as a boat-access-only site, the essential services provided, and the unique features that make island camping on Lake George a sought-after adventure. While it offers a more rustic experience than many roadside campgrounds, its appeal lies in its privacy, stunning surroundings, and the sense of true escape it provides. Whether you're an experienced boater or looking for an unforgettable family getaway, Floating Battery Island offers a slice of Adirondack paradise right here in our backyard.

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 is located at 12 Floating Battery Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA. This address specifies a particular campsite on Floating Battery Island, which is one of the many state-owned islands managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as part of the Lake George Islands Campgrounds. Crucially, all island campsites on Lake George, including Floating Battery Island, are accessible by boat only.

For New York residents, this means planning your trip involves a boat. You can bring your own boat or rent one from the numerous marinas located around Lake George, particularly in areas like Bolton Landing or Lake George Village. Once on the water, you navigate to Floating Battery Island, which is part of the Narrow Island Group. This boat-in access is a significant part of the adventure and contributes to the secluded feel of these campsites, setting them apart from drive-up options. The location offers stunning views of the surrounding lake and mountains, placing you directly in the heart of the "Queen of American Lakes." This unique accessibility ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience, far from the sounds of roads and urban life, yet within the beloved Lake George region.

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12, like other Lake George island campsites, offers essential services designed for a rustic, self-sufficient camping experience. The focus is on providing core necessities while maintaining the natural environment.

• Campsite Accommodations: Each individual island campsite, including #12 on Floating Battery Island, is equipped with a designated tent platform (typically 12'x14') for pitching your tent, ensuring a level and dry sleeping area. Each site is generally limited to 6 individuals and two tents or one unit of hard-wheeled camping equipment and one tent.

• Private Dock: A significant amenity for island camping, each site comes with its own dock for one boat. For Floating Battery Island #12, the site shares a dock with campsite #13, indicating shared access for mooring your vessel. The water depth at the dock for site #12 is noted as 4.5 feet deep, and for site #6 it is 6.5 feet, which is relevant for boaters.

• Picnic Table: Every site includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining outdoors.

• Fireplace/Fire Ring: A designated fireplace or fire ring is provided at each site for building campfires. Regulations state that fires must only be built in these provided fireplaces and should never be left unattended. Only dead and down wood may be used, and burning trash is prohibited.

• Pit Toilets/Privy: Each island campsite has a pit-type privy (outhouse) for waste disposal. These are basic toilet facilities, designed to minimize environmental impact in these natural settings.

• Recycling Centers: While individual sites do not have trash service, central recycling centers are available within the island group headquarters. Campers are responsible for packing out all trash.

• No Potable Water: It's important to note that potable (drinking) water is generally not available directly at island campsites. Campers must bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the lake.

• No Pets Allowed: A key regulation for Lake George Islands campgrounds is that pets are prohibited on any of the islands, docks, or vessels moored at docks. This is important for pet owners to note when planning their trip.

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 offers several unique features and highlights that define the quintessential Lake George island camping experience.

• Exclusive Island Setting: The most significant highlight is the unparalleled experience of having your own private, or semi-private, piece of an island on Lake George. This offers a level of seclusion and intimacy with nature not found at mainland campgrounds.

• Boat-In Access Adventure: The necessity of accessing the campsite by boat adds an element of adventure and makes the experience truly unique. It transforms the journey into an integral part of the camping trip.

• Stunning Lake Views and Waterside Activities: Being on an island provides constant, breathtaking views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. This is ideal for swimming directly from your site (where permitted), fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying the tranquil waters. Site #12 is noted for afternoon sun but can be windy.

• Privacy and Seclusion: Most island sites, including those on Floating Battery Island, are "well forested and private," offering a genuine escape from crowds and noise. Site #12 is described as a "good site on the north end of small Floating Battery Island."

• Designated Tent Platform: The presence of a 12'x14' tent platform ensures a flat, dry, and comfortable surface for setting up your sleeping arrangements, protecting your gear from the ground.

• Direct Water Access for Recreation: With your own dock, you have immediate access to launch kayaks, paddleboards, or simply jump into the clear waters of Lake George for a swim (within regulations and safety guidelines).

• Prime Fishing Opportunities: Lake George is known for excellent fishing, and staying on an island places you right in the heart of prime fishing spots for species like Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, and various bass.

• Immersion in Nature: The lack of extensive commercial amenities fosters a deeper connection with the natural environment, encouraging activities like stargazing, wildlife observation, and simply enjoying the sounds of the lake and forest.

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) campground, Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private business might. The pricing and reservation system are standardized by the state.

• Standard Site Fees: Island campsites on Lake George generally have a fixed nightly fee. For example, sites often cost around $28 per night. These fees contribute to the maintenance of the facilities and the preservation of the natural resources.

• Reservation System: Booking island campsites on Lake George, especially popular ones like those on Floating Battery Island, requires early reservation. Sites can be reserved through ReserveAmerica. This process, while not a "promotion," ensures you secure your desired spot, which is essential given their high demand. The race for reservations often begins months in advance.

• Maximum Stay Limits: To ensure fairness and allow more campers to enjoy the islands, there are often maximum stay limits. From July 1st through Labor Day, only 14 cumulative nights of camping are permitted at any campground. Camping permits can be issued for up to 2 weeks at a time.

• Occupancy Limits: Each site is limited to 6 individuals, two tents or one unit of hard-wheeled camping equipment and one tent, and two vehicles (though only one vehicle is typically allowed per site for parking on the mainland access points, with additional vehicles subject to fees).

• Cancellation Policies: If your plans change, it's crucial to modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible through the reservation system (e.g., ReserveAmerica) to allow others to book the site.

For the most accurate and current information on fees and reservation availability, always consult the official NYSDEC website or the ReserveAmerica platform.

For inquiries related to Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 and the Lake George Islands Campgrounds in general, you would typically contact the NYSDEC or the managing headquarters for the island group. Direct phone numbers for individual island campsites are not usually available.

• Address: 12 Floating Battery Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA (This is the specific site address, but contact is made through central offices).

• General Lake George Islands Campgrounds Phone: (518) 644-9696 (This is the phone number for the Glen Island Group Headquarters, which can often provide information for all Lake George Islands campsites, including those in the Narrow Island Group where Floating Battery Island is located).

• Reservations: All reservations are handled online through platforms like ReserveAmerica. Search for "Narrow Island (Lake George Is)" to find Floating Battery Island sites.

• NYSDEC Website: For comprehensive information on rules, regulations, and all Lake George Islands Campgrounds, consult the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

Given the unique nature of island camping, it's highly recommended to thoroughly review all information on the NYSDEC website and ReserveAmerica before planning your trip.

For New York residents, Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 offers an extraordinary and quintessentially Adirondack camping experience that truly sets it apart. While we have numerous fantastic campgrounds across the state, the unique appeal of island camping on Lake George is a local treasure that provides a distinct sense of adventure and tranquility. The "boat-in" access immediately transforms your trip into an exciting journey, and for those of us who own a boat or enjoy the idea of renting one, it opens up a whole new way to experience our beloved lakes.

What makes this spot particularly suitable for locals is the unparalleled privacy and direct connection to Lake George itself. Having your own dock and a secluded site amidst the trees allows for an escape from the everyday hustle that simply can't be replicated on the mainland. You can spend your days swimming in the clear waters, fishing right off your dock, or exploring the lake by kayak or paddleboard. The presence of a sturdy tent platform and a private pit privy provides the essential comforts for a rustic yet enjoyable stay, encouraging a true immersion in nature.

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12 is more than just a campsite; it's an opportunity to embrace a unique facet of New York's outdoor heritage. It's perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat, a fishing expedition, or a memorable family adventure where the lake is your backyard. For New Yorkers looking for an unforgettable escape that feels truly off the beaten path yet remains within reach, this island campsite on Lake George promises a refreshing and cherished experience that captures the heart of Adirondack living.

Floating Battery Island Campgrounds #12

12 Floating Battery Is, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, USA